PHICHIT, THAILAND – A man said he was sexually harassed by a group of women and trans women during Songkran celebrations in Phichit, triggering a heated online debate over safety and boundaries at Thailand’s water festivals.
Alleged assault on Khao Tang Road
The man, identified only as Chitsanupong, reported that the incident took place during the Songkran festival on Khao Tang Road in Phichit province. He said he later posted photos on Facebook on 15 April showing visible marks on his neck, with the location tag indicating the festival area.
According to his account, a group of three to four women and trans women approached him and applied powder to him, as is customary during Songkran. He accused the group of groping him in the process and said they did not stop despite his repeated requests.
Bruises on neck and alleged encouragement
When he tried to shield himself, the man said this led to bruises on his neck, which appeared as clear marks in the photos. He added that the people involved allegedly encouraged one another to continue during the incident.
At the end of his post, he asked whether he could take legal action against the group. Many commenters, some claiming similar experiences, responded that such actions were illegal and urged him to go to the police.
Complaint filed in Mueang Phichit
Later, Chitsanupong updated his post and stated that he had already filed a complaint at Mueang Phichit Police Station. He said he would share further developments with the online community.
The post spread rapidly, drawing more than 1,000 comments and 8,400 shares, according to the report. In the comments section, many men described similar experiences and said they had found it hard to defend themselves because the alleged perpetrators had acted in groups.
Further Songkran incidents in Bangkok and Phuket
Another case was reported in Bangkok, where a man allegedly groped a female journalist on Rama IV Road. She reportedly screamed for help, and the suspect was immediately arrested.
In Phuket, locals and tourists criticised a group of foreign revellers for aggressive behaviour. Complaints included harassment, blocking a road, demands for money and forcibly opening a van to spray water inside.